JUNE 30. 1931

L Inspiring Addresses

Continued from page i,

the social service, hospital support and other such ‘activities which have been carried on. The speaker wished the. conventio every suc- seas in their deliberations, and ex- pressed the hope that the utmost harmony would prevail throughout the proccednigs, and that the con- vention would go down as the most successful so iar held in the histonv oi the League in Canada.

Ilxtsnds Greetings oi Province

A cordial welcome on behali of the Province was extended by His HonolusjLieutenant Governor Dal- ton, who said that he ‘was both pleased and honoured to be present on such an occasion. The League was doing a splendid wor“ through- out Canada, and he wished to asso- ciate himself’, in every way possible, with its beneilcent activities.

His Worship Mayor Prowse, on behalf of the citizens oi Char. lottetown, joined heartily in wel. coming the delegates. He trusted the convention would he a wonder- iul succus, not only from the standpoint oi the delegates, but to our citizens generally, “I am net going to apologize ior the last two days’ rain." he said. “We need 1t, But I think I can promise you some sunshine before you leave."

"' INAUGURAL ADDRESS

‘béllvered by Mrs. M. a. Lyons, ot- tawa, National President, (Pro Ec- clesla et Pontiilce).

It is my privilege on this occasion to‘ express once again my deep ap- preciation oi the honour you eon. ferred upon me in electing me for the second time as your President. 1t that time I renewed the pledge made the year previous at Windsor that I would continue to serve you with the same devotion and loyalty that your great confidence inspir- Id.

With the relentless passing oi time another year has entered eter- nity and I stand before you tonight to render an account oi my stew- lrdslllp. 1t is, thereiore, with a grcatsense B: responsibility that I greet you and ask, ior your kind indulgence and- prayers for my guid- ance as your presiding oflicer and ior the success oi our deliberations.

As your president, I bid you wel- come to this, the Eleventh Annual Convention oi the Catholic Wo- men's League oi Canada. Your presence here in such large num- bers, many at much personal in- convenience, indicates your interest in giving expression oi your ideals for God and country, oi what you stand unitedly for and oi the ser- vices you are prepared to render as I. lay apostolate body.

Ii we were to measure the suc- Icss oi the League by a. backward glance, we might be inclined to sit hack and view its achievements with much satisfaction, because when all is said few organizations have ac- complished more, throughout the length and. breadth oi this fair Do- minion, than the Catholic Women's League in the short period oi its ex- istence.

The various national reports that will be submitted to you will show extensively what progress has been made during the past year and should prove an incentive oi great- er accomplishment in the iuture. There are many things to be done.

_The time will come, I trust, when we may be prepared to assume greater undertakings, but in the present economic crisis and world depresslon—we must be satisfied to fulfill our (current obligations.

In re-aiflrming our loyalty to the l-ioly Father, we wish to add to our iillial devotion the expression oi our sympathy over the troublous times through which he is passing and for the sorrow that must be occa- sioned to his paternal heart over the defections or so many oi his spir- ltuel children, assuring at the same time oi our earnest prayers that Al- mighty Cod may give him strength and help in his struggle to overcome the wave oi irrellgion, materialism and communism that seems to bs sweeping over the earth and from its ashes may arise the pr- ,agatio oi Christ's Kingdom on earth.

In the untimely death oi His Eminence Cardinal Rouleau, the Church in Canada lost one oi its grsatsstleadsrs. As a priest, pre- lm lndgiitlzen Cardinal Rouleaub work resulted in 1' total oi achieve- ment which is allotted but few to attain, ins with it all hs remained the humble and lowly man oi God. lily his soul rest in peace.

YThs oiiloers, members oi the exec- ativs, delegates and visitors express grateful appreciation .oi the graci-

cnxsrrrao Ans.

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ous invitation extended by the Charlottetown ‘Sub-division to meet in convention in the city where the three tides meet, the Capital oi Prince Edward Island, or "Absg- welt" the name so appropriately giv- en to it by its aboriginal inhabit- ants, meaning cradled on the wave. The Garden oi the Guli has made contributions to Church and State; infant mortality is relatively low and general longevity is very great in this Province, which is always iondly referred to by natives living outside its district as ‘The Island."

We iully appreciate the splendid eflorta put forth by our hostesses and realize the time, thought and energy expended in the preparation oi the delectable programme that lies before us.. This invitation so courteously conveyed by Mrs. Mac- Intyre carried with it the approval and blessing oi the Bishop, Louis J. O’Leary who, a few short weeks lat- er, was called to his eternal rest while still in the meridian oi liie. May light eternal be his.

It is indeed fitting and very grat- ifying that I should be afforded the opportunity and the privilege oi this occasion to * congratula- tions to the Diocese oi Charlotte- town on the signal honour that has come to it, in the appointment oi His Excellency Bishop O'Sullivan, whose great scholastic attainments, outstanding qualifications and pl- ety, as well as his deep interest in Catholic welfare, are so well known. May Your Excellency be spared many years in health and in strength to guide the ilcck commit- ted to your care, to promote the glory oi Christ's Church and ior the cause and interest oi our beloved country of which you are such a distinguished son.

As we enter upon the dawn oi another year oi activity with eleven years oi effort and zeal behind us, we face the future with iaith and courage to triumph over every dif- ficulty; standing together in a spirit of unity and harmony made still stronger by loyal co-operation and mutual understanding which are the surest bulwarks oi the League's wel- iare and progress.

The iuture holds a pleasing pros- pect, we are on the threshold oi an advance in growth oi our organiza- tion and the firm establishment oi its influence that in the past could only be hoped ior. Now it is on the eva oi being attained. By re- dedicating ourselves to our work with new pledges oi devotion—the task to unite all Catholic women oi Canada under the banner oi the League will eventually be certain oi accomplishmen‘.

Grateful appreciation is due to all the members oi the League for their generous co-operation in all matters oi importance and ior the ‘ardour and enthusiasm in which they res- ponded to every call.

It is fitting that a richly deserved tribute be paid to the omcers and members oi the Executive who have so‘ ably discharged the duties of their committees and contributed in so many ways to the progress oi the League throughout the year. To the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and the Convenor oi Laws, I must pay special tribute for their invaluable help during the tenn. The ideals oi all the omcers have been oi the loftiest type, the weliare oi the organization being the motive iorce behind their ac- tlons.

Words iail to express my grati- tude to the Executive Secretary for her devotion, unerring fidelity, ex-

pressions are inadequate to convey to her just appreciation oi her abil- ity and ever ready counsel. I trust ere long we shall have the oppor- tunity oi demonstrating in a. more tangible manner our recognition oi Miss Jones’ services.

It wlllbe remembered that one oi the recommendations contained in my opening address last year was the necessity oi evolving some plan by which funds could be provided for the various appropriations required to carry on the business of the Lea- guo. Serious consideration was giv- en to the problem during the con- vention by the Finance Committee and the delegates 4 in session as- sembled, which resulted in a delin- its scheme being adopted by which a find quota would be assessed up- on the various dioceses in propor- tion to.» their magnitude and in the following ratio: $150.00, $100.00 and $00.00 respectively.

The financial report that will be submitted to you will show that this method has been found to be emin- ently sstisisctory, as notwithstand- ing the great economic depression through which the country is pass- ing our finance! have never been in such a prosperous condition.

The approximate amount of mon- ey raised by 40s sub-divisions was $224,018.00, of this amount $179.- 62400 was lpcnt locally and l7.- 0l0.0'! went to the National Treas- ury, making contributions to na- tional endeavour about 37$ oi the whole. An inlinitelmsr amount oi the sums railed throughout the country.

New. records bavobesn establish-

4r

ed since the last convention in the volume oi organization, especially in the Diocese oi Regina where new

' sub-divisions stand to the credit oi

the President. Indications point to a ntinuancs oi these favourable conditions due also to the influence oi His Excellency Archbishop Mc- Guigan, who, by the way is, native oi this Garden Province. Ptcgether 60 new sub-divisions have been or- ganized since the last convention.-

At the various diocesan conven- tions which I had the privilege of attending I was everywhere much impressed by the zeal and enthusi- asm with which the members as- sumed their respcnsibilltles as in- divlduals within a Catholic organ- ization and as an asset to the na- tion.

Under our scholarship programme iour awards will have been made with the close oi this convention. The foundation oi this Scholarship has undoubtedly been a. progressive step in the plan oi the League, but, as we are passing the iourth mile- stone it might be well, in view oi the large amount of money involv- ed, to give some further considera- tion to the manner oi its award ior the future. I would thereiore ask the delegates to give some thought to the matter so that theymay be prepared to discuss its possibilities when the National Convener pre- sents her report.

Owing to the immigration policy oi the government prohibiting en- try oi immigrants into Canada while the present conditions oi un- employment exist, there has been a. marked decrease during the past fiscal year oi persons entering the country. However, the fine sense oi co-operation on the part oi con- veners oi the local sub-divisions im- pels a continuation oi contact with the new Canadians who have come to us previous to the issue oi the Order in ouncil restricting entry. These zealous workers do everything in their power to bring happiness and cheer into the lives oi those who are separated from kith and kin in a new land, they believe: There is a fate that makes us

brothers,

None goes his way alone All that we send into the lives oi

others, g

Comes back into our own.

The Sisters oi Service continue to make themselves invaluable and as the years go on are becoming more and more appreciated. The generous contributions to this fund by the various sub-divisions, indic- ate that the members reallze that this is one oi the great works their united eflorts, zeal and seli sacrifice help to maintain. The Sisters of S91" vice are the adopted children oi the Catholic Women's League, we must never fail them.

Our magazine, the Canadian Lea- gue, due to the eiiicienr. manage- ment oi the Editor and the efforts oi the local conveners is at present in a better financial position, but I regret to have to mention there is much yet to be desired in the num- ber oi its subscribers.

The national reports on child and social weliare and Girl Guides will show that valuable work is being done by the League throughout the country and is becoming more and more ielt in the different communi- ties judging by the requests ior re- presentation by the League on non- sectarian councils. '

Junior organization, it is to be re- gretted, has not made the stride we had hoped ior, we trust, however, that the iuture will see the develop- ment oi numerous branches. The girls oi today will be the women oi tomorrow. The great impetus given to the Junior movement by the In- ternatlonal Catholic Women's Lea- gue should be a stimulus to Canad- ian youth to follow in the footsteps of their foreign sisters. \

A revised constitution will be su - mltted for your consideration and adoption by the Laws Convener who has, with he: committee, given a great deal o! time. thought and en- ergy in its preparation.

At the request oi His Excellency the Archbishop oi Toronto, a pro- vincial committee was organized at the Sudbury Convention following the Ontario l-Iour, the function oi which was to carry on a campagn oi education ior the purpose oi awakening the general public to a sense oi justice in the matter oi maintenance oi the Separate Schools, and to devise means oi se- curing co-operation to obtain a. fair division oi the ‘taxes paid by com- panies and corporations.

It would be difficult to give even an outline oi the amount oi work involved in this campaign, or the thought and energy given to it by the able Chairman, Miss Florence Boland, oi A to; by the Conven- er oi llssyl, Mrs. W. J. Quinn, oi Ottawa, and the Diocesan represen- tatives oi the Province oi Ontario. Result oi their labours will be pre- sented during s session that will be set apart for hearing.

Pursuant to the recommendation that Study Clubs be a National Committee separate and apart from the National Scholarship, a Com- mittee entitled "Education and Study Clubs" was added to the Ex-

ecutive. Splendid work has been

duo-in this

THE CHARLO'I"rr~.'ruwN (;uARAi_3|.}_r_\___

ous groups who have matter, under the able guidance oi the Convener. No better means of promoting an informed lay apostol- ate than the Study Club.’ It. is an education ior action. Through it the Catholic woman oi today is en- abled to meet the challenge io: in- formation which meets her in the home, in society, in her club and in her place oi business.

One oi the most critical prob- lems at the present moment which affects us all intimately is that oi the survival and protection oi the Christian family, persons of every faith are agreed that the disinteg- ration oi the iamily spells disaster for iuture generations and for the upbuildlng of any country. Oi all the dangers threatening iamlly liie that which is most to be dreaded arepwhat is being at present so openly advocated, birth control and divorce.

It is necessary for every Catholic woman to understand what lies be- hind these questlons so that she may be able-to effectively refute arguments in their favour and to defeat any legislation oi the kind. To study this question will bring home to you the urgent need ior united Catholic action.

With the close oi this convention my term oi ofllce expires. Upon another will devolve the honour oi guiding its destinies, ior her I be- speak the same loyal co-operation and support that has been, so gen- erously, given to me, and to her I pledge my unswerving loyalty, fidel- ity and willingness to serve under her as a humble soldier in the ranks oi this truly great organization.

I say this advisedly for it is in- deed great in vision, great in poss- ibilities, but I realize that our po- tential destiny can only be achieved when we transform possibilities into realities by intelligently stimulating activities. It rests in the hands of the members oi the Catholic Wo- men's League to make it great in accomplishment. We are but begin- ning to have a consciousness of what it means to be called a. na- tional organization-let us grasp its significance. _

I was deeply touched at the many expressions oi congratulation con- veyed by letter and telegram, some 350 in number, on the occasion oi the honour being conferred upon me by the Holy Father oi the Pro Ecles- sla et Pontiiice and with Twhlch I was invested by His Excelle icy the Archbishop oi Ottawa, the most Rev. Guillaume Forbes, at the Dic- cesan Convention held in that city. This great and signal honour came to me as an overwhelming surprise, so much so, I may confess, that I was for a time bereft oi speech. Kindly accept, my dear iellow mem- bers the assurance oi my deepest gratitude ior your congratulatory messages.

It was indeed with a g:eat sense oi gratification that I learned oi a similar honour being conferred upon Mrs. J. J. Duggan, the immediate past president, and surely none de- served lt more; her outstanding services for God and Canada in the West have made her name a house- hold word. We earnestly pray Al- mighty God that Mrs. Duggan may be spared ad multos annos to en- joy he: well merited distinction.

As members oi the Catholic Wo- men's League oi Canada, we have a. special responsibility and a stand- ard to maintain, we must think in unison with the mind oi the Church and unillnchingly upholo the ideals oi Christ.

Our corporate entity as an organ- ization has spent eleven years on the threshold of its powers, and as we enter into the full possibilities oi this Convention, let us also enter into a fuller exercise oi our corpor- ate power through complete accept- ance oi our responsibilities.

With faith in the work oi the League; with hope in its Catholic achievement; with love that reckons not the cost, we undauntedly cross the threshold oi the Eleventh An- nual Convention.

STRESSES‘ OIJDTMSHIONED ' RELIGION

In an eloquent address on Catho- lic Action, Rev. G. J. MacLellan, D.D., Tignish, former Rector oi St. Dunstan‘: University, explained‘ the meaning oi his subject as being the organized co-cperation of lay Cath- olics with their Bishops and priests in carrying out the mission oi the church. The mission oi the church. he added, is to inculcate the spirit oi Christ. This spirit could be de- fined as the spirit oi love, oi char- ity, oi peace, ei unselfishness. It is the aim oi the Catholic Women's Lea gue to bring this Christian spirit into the national liie. It follows that each individual member must be embued with that spirit. As in- dividuals we are social beings, and the first society oi all is the iamlly; the high purpose oi the iamlly unit must be recognized in every actlvlty

with which the League is associat-

ed. Anything that would tend to disrupt the home, anything that would pollute the sanctit, oi the nation, must be war-red against. in ths home the spirit oi Christ should predominate. Children should be

taught reverence. Seliishnsss should

' welt" with some genial and humor-

example. - The importance oi the formative, years oil the child's life was partic-_ ularly stressed by the speaker. The‘ school, he insisted, should be mere- ly an extension of the home. ite- ligion should be the golden thread interwoven through all education, through all life. There should be no divorce between what ls taught in the home and in the school.

The Catholic Women's League is not organized ior conquest; that l8 not its aim. Its aim is to enliven civilization with the spirit oi Christ. It should be interested in material things only to the end that it might leaven them with the spirit of Christ The League's motto is: For God and Country, and it is a motto which embraces all phaSES oi ones duty, clvlc and religious.

Catholic action is human action in every aspect. Members should ilrst of all be embucd with Catholic doctrines so as to know how t0 apply them to the practical prob- lems oi liie. The present troubles of the Church in Spain and Italy were mentioned as examples o: the incidents which too often tend to disturb the believer. It was pre- dicted oi the Church, however, that troublous times would lie ahead. Standing four-square for right- eousness and against vice oi all kinds, it was to be expected that the Church would meet with oppo- sltlon from the irallty oi human nature. Catholic women must have that leadership, iounded on Catho- lic principles, that will enable them to continue the work oi the League undeterred by these difficulties. For this leadership clear thinklng is necessary.

‘The home, the school, the com- munity, the state-these, the speak- er declared, were the progressive spheres in which the members oi the League are privileged and obli- gated to discharge their important functions in co-operatilon with the Bishops and clergy oi the Church.

REVIEWS ISLAND HISTORY Preiacing his address on “Abeg-

ous remarks, Mr. Justice Arsenault gave a. very interesting synopsis oi the historical events, ‘civic and ec- clesiastical. He suggested that the delegates see the Confederation Chamber and its historic associ- ations during their visit. The fact that in this Province we have H0 extremes of wealth or poverty was emphasized, as was also the pro- gress made in education, public health, handicraft, agriculture and other activities.